Malia and Sasha: Home Alone?

Saaret Yoseph is a writer and Assistant Editor at TheRoot.com. She manages and blogs for \"Their Eyes Were Watching …\" Less than a month into their father's presidency, Sasha and Malia Obama were seasoned passengers of Air Force One. Here, Mr. President and the first lady have the kids in-tow for a weekend trip to Chicago.…

Saaret Yoseph is a writer and Assistant Editor at TheRoot.com. She manages and blogs for \"Their Eyes Were Watching …\"

Less than a month into their father's presidency, Sasha and Malia Obama were seasoned passengers of Air Force One. Here, Mr. President and the first lady have the kids in-tow for a weekend trip to Chicago. This time around, though, travel plans were made for adults only. Who's back home watching the first kids?

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Donna Britt: What would President Obama do without the women in his life?

Perhaps Michelle's mother, Marian Robinson, is watching the kiddies while the mom in chief is away. Does Grandma Marian also handle hair upkeep? We all know that's a job!

The Root Contributors: Do you know how long it takes to flat iron this 'ish??

School will surely be keeping Sasha and Malia busy during the day. True, they didn't get to fly first-class on Air Force One this week, but at least they're getting a first-class education.

Anthony Jackson: How many languages can the Obama girls speak?

Other than going to class at Sidwell Friends, how have the Obama girls been occupying their time? Maybe playing with friends on the White House lawn? Just remember to steer clear of the newly planted vegetable garden, kids!

Dayo Olopade: No playtime for President Obama — duty calls.

Maybe they're running amok on their new playset. That should entertain them until the puppy comes around.

The Root Contributors:  Dear Sasha and Malia, what are you going to name your puppy?

Meanwhile, in London, the Obama Mama and Dad have arrived fresh and fabulous.

Rose-Anne Clermont: Does Europe still heart the Obamas?

Mom and dad are hobnobbing with the Queen of England. Do Malia and Sasha look this tiny next to them?

David Swerdlick: Are we seeing way too much of President Obama? 

The mom in chief has her eyes on another set of young ladies. She visited the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language School, and it looks like Michelle's under some supervision of her own.

Kim McLarin: Michelle cooking eggs in the White House kitchen?

The president has been busy meeting world leaders and pausing for occasional photo-ops, like this one with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz.

Dayo Olopade: Watch out for these Obamas-in-training!

Smiling a little hard there, Mr. President. While posing for a picture with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (c) and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, President Obama looks downright giddy. Did somebody forget that the kids are waiting for him back at home?

The Root Staff: Mr. President, the camera loves you!

Looks like the mom in chief hasn't forgotten her babies. While chatting with Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Michelle looks as if she's deep in thought. Maybe she's wondering if Malia had a good breakfast this morning or if Sasha had a bad dream last night.

The Root Contributors: Did Michelle make the right choice?

On second thought, maybe she's glad to get a little time off. Braiding pigtails or tea with the Queen? We definitely understand, Michelle.

Stanley Crouch: Michelle, my belle! An ode to the first lady.

Soon enough, though, President Obama and the first lady will be back in the White House and on-duty as parents. There's much to do in America, but Malia and Sasha will always be priority No. 1.

Natalie Hopkinson: Washington D.C. — The Obama family's home sweet home.

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